7 Vital Ways Transgender Rights Have Moved Forward Under The Obama Administration

The country is taking a big step in the right direction, thanks to the progress for transgender rights the Obama administration has overseen. On Tuesday, the U.S. House of Representatives announced the formation of its first-ever task force for transgender equality. Two members of the committee, Rep. Mike Honda (D-Calif.) and Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.), have publicly shared their experiences of having family members who are transgender. This level of openness from lawmakers and commitment to change on a national scale is a huge step forward for the transgender community, which has "[for] too many times ... has been an afterthought," said LGBT Equality Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) at the announcement on Capitol Hill.

But this hasn't been the only victory for the trans community during the President Obama's time in office. Since taking office in 2009, the president has affirmed LGBT rights countless times through big and small changes.

Here are some of the most important advances in transgender rights that have happened under President Obama.

1) Federal Employees Can't Be Discriminated Against Because Of Gender Identity

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In January 2010, the Office of Personnel Management, which manages the various civil services of the federal government, added gender identity to the equal employment opportunity policy governing all federal jobs. The department further supported transgender workers in September 2011 by issuing additional guidance to federal managers on equal treatment.

2) It's Easier To Change Gender On Your Passport

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The previous process to change the gender marker on a passport was "burdensome," and was shifted in June 2010 so as not to put undue stress on transgender individuals.

The Social Security Administration used to tell employers when someone's employment paperwork didn't match their birth records, unnecessarily outing transgender workers. The policy was changed in September 2011.

4) Gender Transition Treatments Are Now Tax Deductible

5) Transgender Kids Can Enroll In Single Sex Classes And Activities

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In December 2014, the Department of Education released new guidelines allowing transgender children to participate in single-sex classes and activities, giving new protections under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The same law that mandates equal funding for boys' and girls' sports now protects transgender kids who want to participate based on their gender identity.

6) Gender Reassignment Surgery Is Covered Under Obamacare

This was a huge win for the transgender community — giving transgender individuals access to this potentially life-saving surgery is exact the kind of progress activists have been fighting for.

7) President Obama Said The Word "Transgender" In The State Of The Union